Father Ted creator Graham Linehan vows to continue trans rights fight after pleading not guilty to hate crime charges
TRANS RAP Father Ted creator Graham Linehan vows to continue trans rights fight after pleading not guilty to hate crime charges
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FATHER Ted writer Graham Linehan vowed to continue criticising trans rights as he denied hate crime charges in court.
The five-time Bafta award winner, 56, pleaded not guilty to harassment and criminal damage.
He is accused of abusing trans activist Sophia Brooks on social media and smashing her phone in October.
They are described by prosecutors as hate crimes — but Linehan remained defiant after his court appearance yesterday.
He told supporters outside Westminster magistrates court: 'I have pleaded not guilty and will defend this case at trial. In doing so, there is far more at stake than my own name. For six years, ever since I began defending the rights of women and children against a dangerous ideology, I have faced harassment, abuse and threats.
'I have lost a great deal but I am still here and I will not waver in my resolve.'
The IT Crowd co-creator, who has also written for Brass Eye and The Fast Show, has a long-standing history of criticising the trans-rights movement.
He has previously said that the charges relate to an incident at the Battle of Ideas conference in London last year.
The Ireland-born writer was bailed at yesterday's hearing on the condition he does not contact his alleged victim.
His trial was set for the same court on September 4.
Dozens of supporters, many unable to get inside owing to a lack of space, greeted Linehan outside the court.
He thanked them for the support, also urging people to join the Free Speech Union.
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